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Title
Ankyloglossia Assessment and Treatment: Investigating Controversial Topics in the Medical Community
Publication Date
4-6-2018
Document Type
Poster
Department
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Mentor
Jamie Smith
Mentor Department
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to examine the current literature on ankyloglossia assessment and treatment. Ankyloglossia is a congenital anomaly, more commonly referred to as a "tongue-tie". Infants, children, and adults can all be negatively impacted by the effects of ankyloglossia. Infants with ankyloglossia are at a higher risk of having difficulties while feeding. While feeding-related problems derived from ankyloglossia are a serious issue, there is no universal assessment strategy for evaluating the severity and creating a treatment plan for patients. Currently, there are multiple assessment tools and classifications that a variety of professionals use as guidelines for diagnosis. They include the Hazelbaker Assessment Tool for Lingual Frenulum Function (ATLFF), Coryllos classification, and Kotlow classification (Kendall-Tackett, 2017). These tools have been used to evaluate tongue mobility, anatomy, and function. The professionals who perform surgeries to alleviate ankyloglossia and the techniques used are widely varied; there is no clear, direct path to effective intervention. Surgical technique is also still an area of debate. While some professionals still use scalpels, newer research is showing that CO2 lasers and bipolar electro-cautery may be more effective (Gujrathi, 2016). There is a need in the medical community to determine how to accurately diagnose ankyloglossia, how to benefit patients through surgical intervention, and how to address the impact ankyloglossia can have on a patient and their family.
Recommended Citation
Pivek, Elena, "Ankyloglossia Assessment and Treatment: Investigating Controversial Topics in the Medical Community" (2018). University Research Symposium. 126.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/rsp_urs/126
Comments
Pivek-undergraduate